3D-Printed Ceramics with Aligned Micro-Platelets

Abstract

Biological materials, such as seashells, exhibit distinct microstructures in which (bio)­ceramic micro-platelets are aligned, resulting in desirable mechanical properties when combined with other materials in the composite form. The manufacturing of synthetic counterparts often involves various methods capable of large-scale particle alignment, such as freeze-casting, tape casting, and magnetic assembly. However, these methods are often limited to simple geometries or require specialized printers with magnetic control capability and magnetized platelets. In this study, we report on 3D-printed alumina with aligned micro-platelets achieved using the vat photopolymerization process. Notably, our approach relies solely on the shear flow in the resin induced by the motion of the printer build plate in lower-cost printers without a doctor blade. This process holds significant potential for the development of ceramic and composite parts with controlled microstructures, particularly for the manufacturing of bioinspired structural and functional composites.

Room Temperature Photocurable PEEK Polymer Formulations for High-Performance 3D Printing Applications

“…In diverse fields, 3D printing finds applications ranging from tissue engineering and medical device fabrication to soft robotics, dentistry, and sensor development among many others. − The methods used in 3D printing are classified based on printing techniques and material utilization. Extrusion-based 3D printing, including melt material extrusion (MME) and direct ink writing (DIW), is commonly employed for the fabrication of high-performance polymer (HPP) structures from filaments or shear thinning inks. − Photocuring technologies, such as stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP), utilize photochemical curing of liquid acrylate or cationically polymerizable resin materials to produce 3D-printed components. , Compared to extrusion-based methods, DLP 3D printing offers higher precision in manufacturing, improved mechanical toughness, and better layer unity. , Despite these advancements, a persistent challenge lies in processing high-performance polymers (HPPs) such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polyimide under ambient conditions. , HPPs exhibit remarkable mechanical and thermal properties due to the concentration of aromatic rings within their polymer chains, resulting in strong bonds and interchain interactions. , PEEK, in particular, stands out for its strength and heat resistance, making it valuable in fields like the automotive industry and medical implants. − Commercial PEEK polymer has a reported tensile strength of 90–100 MPa and Young’s modulus of 4 GPa with a glass transition temperature of 143 °C and stability up to 450 °C with only 5% weight loss.…”